Mazda CX-5 2017 Review

In recent years, the competition in the compact SUV market has become increasingly fierce, and consumers are demanding higher standards for vehicle design, space practicality, and driving quality. Models in this segment have continuously been iterated and upgraded. The 2017 Mazda CX-5, as a popular contender in this category, stands out with its "Kodo" design language and Skyactiv technology as its core selling points, attracting many users who value a driving experience and sense of design. In this test drive, we will focus on its static quality, dynamic performance, and daily practicality to see if this vehicle can meet the needs of both family users and young consumers.

The exterior of the 2017 CX-5 continues Mazda's family "Kodo" design, with smooth and tension-filled overall lines. At the front, the large shield-shaped grille, paired with chrome trim, connects to the sharp LED headlights on both sides, visually stretching the width of the front end and giving it high recognizability. The side of the body employs a segmented waistline design, with simple and strong lines extending from the front fenders to the rear. Paired with 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, it adds a sporty feel. The rear design is relatively rounded, with horizontally arranged LED taillights, and the circular light strips inside the taillight are striking when illuminated. The silver trim on the lower part of the rear bumper enhances the rugged feel of the SUV. For the lighting system, all models come standard with LED headlights and daytime running lights, offering good illumination performance and durability.

Stepping inside, the interior style of the CX-5 leans toward simplicity and practicality, with a symmetric design for the dashboard and a clear overall layout. In terms of materials, the upper part of the dashboard and the inner side of the door panels are wrapped in soft-touch materials, providing a comfortable feel. Some areas also feature stitching, enhancing the interior refinement. The center display screen is 7 inches, supporting both touch and knob operation. Its interface is simple and user-friendly, and the equipped MZD Connect system supports Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone mirroring, and other functions, making daily use quite convenient. The seats are wrapped in genuine leather, with the front seats offering electric adjustment and lumbar support. The seats provide good wrapping and support, ensuring comfort even during long drives. In terms of configuration, this model is equipped with practical features such as dual-zone automatic air conditioning, keyless entry, and a push-start button, meeting daily usage needs.

In terms of space, the dimensions of the CX-5 are 4555×1842×1685mm, with a wheelbase of 2700mm, making it a mainstream size among compact SUVs. The front-row seating offers ample space; with a passenger of 180cm height adjusting the seat, there is still about one fist of headroom. The rear-row space is equally impressive, offering two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. This ensures that even with three adults seated in the rear, it doesn’t feel cramped. Storage capacity is well-considered, with spacious door storage slots in the front, a central armrest box, and cup holders. The rear central armrest is also equipped with cup holders for passengers' convenience. The trunk has a standard capacity of 442L, which can be expanded to 1342L by folding down the rear seats. This allows for satisfying family outings or carrying large items. Additionally, the rear row is equipped with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports to enhance passenger comfort in the back.

In terms of power, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 is equipped with a 2.0L Skyactiv naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 155 horsepower and a maximum torque of 200N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic manual transmission. During actual driving, the power response in the starting phase is quite positive; a light touch on the accelerator provides a good sense of acceleration. Although mid-to-high-speed acceleration is not particularly strong, it is sufficient for daily city driving and highway cruising. The transmission's shift logic is clear, and both upshifts and downshifts are smooth with almost no noticeable jerkiness. The driving modes include normal and sport options; in sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, making it suitable for users who seek driving pleasure.

Handling and chassis performance are among the highlights of the CX-5. The steering wheel is precise, with very little slack, and the centering force is moderate, giving the driver a great sense of confidence. The suspension system uses a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned towards a sporty feel while still considering comfort. On bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out most vibrations, and the body shows no significant sway. When cornering, the suspension provides excellent support, with body roll well-controlled, offering good vehicle stability. Additionally, the CX-5's chassis feels very cohesive, giving an impression of solidity, and there is no sense of floating at high speeds.

In terms of fuel efficiency, we drove approximately 50 km on city roads and highways, achieving an average fuel consumption of around 7.5L/100km under mixed road conditions. This result is above average among vehicles in the same class, showcasing good fuel economy. Regarding braking performance, the brake pedal feels linear, with evenly distributed braking force. During emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable, with a short braking distance, providing a solid sense of safety.

As for ride comfort, the CX-5 performs well in noise control; wind and tire noise are not very noticeable during highway driving, and they won't disrupt conversations among passengers inside the cabin. The comfort level of the seats has already been mentioned, and the angle of the rear seats is also suitably designed, ensuring long-duration rides are not fatiguing. Furthermore, the smooth shifting of the transmission adds to the comfort of daily driving, as almost no jerking from gear changes can be felt, further improving the driving experience.

To sum up, the core advantages of the 2017 Mazda CX-5 lie in its excellent driving dynamics, sleek exterior design, and practical space. Compared to peers like the Toyota RAV4, the CX-5 stands out in terms of handling and design appeal. While it has slightly less interior space than the Honda CR-V, it offers better driving experience and interior quality. This car is suitable for families who value driving dynamics and design aesthetics, as well as young consumers seeking both sportiness and practicality.

Overall, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 is a well-rounded compact SUV that can meet the needs of daily city commutes and weekend family outings. If you're looking for an SUV that balances driving pleasure with practicality, the CX-5 is worth considering.